!fracis
VOLUME VIII, No. 11 51 NOVEMBER 1990
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY - CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
THE CHAPTER'S PRIMARY GOALS ARE TO PROMOTE SPECIES AND HABITAT CONSERVATION
AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY.
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
How would you respond to the prospect of Bexar
Audubon having a piece of property that might include a
meeting place and a bit of nature? I need your feedback,
preferably within the next two weeks, so we can entertain
that possibility. Yes, I mean you.
The RTC and FDIC are having to dispose of thousands of
acres of land and many of those acres are environmentally
sensitive. The possibility exists that some of this land may be
transferred to the parks and refuge system; and the possibility
may arise that we might be asked to accept some small parcel
that lends itself neither to development nor a refuge. If such
a prospect arose, we could accept it only with a commitment
from additional members who would help with maintenance
and other responsibilities that come with property
ownership.
While we are on the subject of commitment, we can use
workers in a number of areas--Publicity Chairman,
Volunteer Coordinator, Issues Monitor for Air & Water
and Conservation Coordinator. If the work is divided up, it
is not a burden for anyone.
Carolyn Chipman-Evans gave a glowing report of the
Wyoming Ecology Camp experience at our October
meeting. It is gratifying to know our scholarships provide
such a rewarding experience for the recipients. Activities
from the camp are now being used by Carolyn with the
groups she leads at the Cibolo Wilderness Trail. Jon
Johnson's presentation on Adventure Therapy was also
excellent. Adventure therapy provides an effective
opportunity for "at risk" and disturbed young people to gain
confidence and self-esteem. Call me if you would like more
information on this program.
Mark your calendar and come to our Arts & Crafts
Auction on the I 5th. It promises to be our best ever.
~.97~ .....
AUCTION! AUCTION! AUCTION!
The 1990 version of the Arts and Crafts Auction promises
to be the best ever. An original painting by The Birdman,
David McKelvey, handcarved walking sticks, a handmade
quilted vest and a signed and numbered Non-game stamp
print are some of the items that will be offered. While our
event gains in popularity each year, it is still possible to
obtain great bargains.
Proceeds from the auction will go toward our scholarship
program as well as other conservation projects in the
community. For more information, call Mary Anne Moses
at 826-6562 or Marge Flandermeyer at 684-2668.
LOST MAPLES OUTING
October's gorgeous weather gave us an excellent
opportunity to revel in the glory of Lost Maples State Park.
The scenery in this area of the world is breathtaking. We
took the East Trail out of the parking area and eventually
climbed to what appeared to be (and our legs were
convinced also) the top of the world. The maples were not in
their best form, but there was enough color change to make
the views quite lovely.
After a picnic lunch during which we identified and
discussed the trees and plant life we had just seen, we
proceeded to Tarpley to view the dinosaur tracks. The
Tyrannosaurus Rex tracks are quite clear. According to the
sign, this T. Rex was approximately 45 feet long and stood
19 feet tall.
A short stop by the Medina River where huge cypress
trees line the banks completed a delightful day.
AIJDU~f:N!!lli~
We have met our goal of 60 classrooms in which we have
placed "Audubon Adventures". In fact, we now have 61, as
of Nov. I. Most of the funds ($30/ classroom) came from the
proceeds of our BIRDATHON last April. A few came from
individuals who gave $30 so we could add another
classroom to our total.
If you'd like to help in this important program, all you
need do is send your $30 to Walter Barfield, our treasurer.
You may choose the elementary school, or we will supply the
school. -* •
INFORMATION PLEASE ...
As many of you know, the Austin area is working on the
development of a Regional Habitat Conservation Plan
which they hope will insure the protection of rare and
endangered species and special ecosystems. Representatives
of a number of groups and agencies in San Antonio feel that
the time has come to prepare for a similar undertaking here.
One of the pieces of information which is needed in order
to lay the groundwork for this project is a map of areas
known to be used by endangered species. You might be able
to help.
_If you have had the good fortune offinding Black-capped
V1reos or Golden-cheeked Warblers as you enjoyed the Hill
Country in the springs and summers of I 988, I 989 or 1990,
would you take a moment to share the date and location
(precise or approximate) with the local group who are
working on the project?
Please call Susan Rust, Stewardship Services, 826-4698,
to leave a message or to get further information about the
project.
BEXAR TRACKS, Nov.emberl990
CONSERVATION CORNER
LITTLE SANDY
Congressman Ralph Hall has succeeded in getting HR-188,
the bill to take Little Sandy out of the National Wildlife
Refuge System, voted out of committee. Now we must stop
it on the House floor and in the Senate.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Flood Senators Lloyd Bentsen and Phil Gramm with
letters and phone calls, asking them to oppose the legislation
if it passes the House and comes to the Senate. Thank them
for not having introduced similar legislation in the Senate
and ask them to stand firm against it.
WHAT YOU CAN SAY
Little Sandy is old-growth bottomland habitat, the best left
in Texas, and supports tens of thousands of ducks, several
endangered species, and several state and national
champion trees. The reservoir that would destroy the refuge
is not needed for water supply-current reservoirs in the
area will meet the projected demand for the next fifty years.
If more water ever was needed, there are innumerable alter­natives
for developing supply that would be more
economical.
The precedent of removing an element of the Refuge System
without needs assesment of the alternative use could lead
Congressmen around the country to try to get rid of protect­ed
lands on the basis of "local issues".
LEVELING THE LAST ANCIENT FORESTS
In the w~ning days for the JOist U.S. Congress, Senator
~ark Hatfield (R-Ore.) and Rep. Les AuCoin (D-Ore.)
mtroduced a pair of "nightmare bills" that would all but
guarantee the wholesale destruction of the nation's last
remaining ancient forests.
The legislation, HR 5094 in the House and S 2762 in the
Senate, requires continued commodity production­logging,
mining, and grazing--in the national forests at
current levels, regardless of the environmental conse­quences.
Specifically it would:
. *limit the Secretary of Agriculture's power to lower
loggmg qu.otas by more than one percent;
*reqmre the Secretary to consider opening previously
protected lands;
and
:i!ls':ll~te l.o¥ging I?lans from court-ordered injunctions;
hmit JUdicial review of potentially illegal timber sales;
*require the Secretary to sell the maximum amount of
timber allowed in each forest plan.
You ca~ help stop this legislation by writing your
representative and senators today. Tell them to vigorously
oppose HR 5094 and S 2762. These bills threaten the future
of every n~tional forest in this country. Also ask your
representative to co-sponsor HR 4992 the Ancient Forest
Protection Act, supported by Audubo~ and other members
of the environmental community, and ask your senators to
introduce a similar measure.
Newsletter Submissions: Deadline is date of BAS general meeting.
Mail to: Kathy B. Newman, 7206 Sulky Lane, San Antonio, TX
78240; or call 523-6631.
Page 2
NONGAME HABITAT ACQUIRED
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved the
donation of a 151-acre portion of Atkinson Island offered
by Conoco, Inc. Acquisition of the tract will benefit the
Nongame Resources Program and the Special Nongame
and Endangered Species Conserv.ation Fund.
Located in Galveston Bay, Atkinson Island provides
habitat to several species of nongame birds, including
wading birds, shorebirds and resident songbirds, as well as
spring migrants. Acquisition of this tract will provide
protection for its biological and historial resources and is a
beginning for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's
land protection efforts in the Galveston Bay Estuary.
"Donations of habitat such as Atkinson Island are
essential if we are to protect and conserv.e our birds and
animals, many of which are at risk due to man's ever­growing
need for land. Unless we carefully set aside habitat,
we could lose our greatest asset, our wildlife", according to
TPWD Exec. Dir. Andy Sansom.
The donation will benefit the Special Fund by providing
state funds to match federal monies which reimburse the
department . when other nongame habitat areas are
purchased or when nongame research and management
efforts are funded. For every $1 donated to the Special
Fund, a matching $3 is available from federal Pittman­Robertson
monies and provides the department a total of $4
to conduct research and management and acquire habitat
specifically for nongame and endangered wildlife.
The 1990-91 Special Nongame and Endangered Species
Conserv.ation Fund stamps are available at all state parks
and most Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offices and
from the BAS. Decals are available also.
This year's artwork features a Mearn's quail by Sherrie
Russell Meline. Also known as a harlequin cir montezuma
quail, the male of this species has a distinctive black and
white facial mask which gives rise to yet other names: clown­faced
or fool's quail. Once common throughout the
Edward's Plateau and Trans-Pecos, the Mearn's quail is not
as common as it once was because of habitat loss from over­grazing
and drought.
The Special Fund is supported by donations and revenue
from the sale of nongame artwork, stamps and decals. Also,
this year, a poster featuring an ocelot is available while
supplies last, for every $10 donation received. These posters
were made possible with the help of the Audubon Council of
Texas.
So far, the Nongame Resources Program has acquired
two nongame wildlife management areas and currently is
conducting 2 I research and management projects for
nongame and endangered wildlife .
For more information on the Special Fund or the
Nongame Resources Program call 826-4698 or 1-800-792-
1112.
Bexar Audubon Society's
Nature Arts and Crafts Auction
Thursday, November 15, 1990
Sol Del Rio Gallery
1020 Townsend
7:00p.m.
Wine and Cheese
BEXAR TRACKS;November 1990
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER
2-7 19th Annual Conference of theN orth American Assoc.
for Environmental Education, San Antonio. Call Mary
Kennedy, 690-2061.
3 First Sat., Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa,
guided nature walk, 10 a.m.
4 Pelagic birding trip on the Scat-Cat with the Ornitho­logy
Group of Houston. Meet at Fisherman's Wharf at
Port Aransas. Trip is from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. for birders
only - no fishermen! 75 people needed. Total cost:
$40/ person. Call David Bradford at 713-855-2615.
8 BAS Board Meeting, Marge Flandermeyer's home,
6427 Wurzbach, #6, 7:30 p.m. Call 684-2668 for
directions.
10 Second Sat., "Nature Photography- Fall Color", with
Alan Perry & Leroy Leonard. Friedrich Wilderness
Park, 21395 Milsa, 9 a.m. Call698-1057 for more info.
10 Beginners' Birdwalk, SA Audubon Society, Judson
Nature Trail--next to Alamo Heights Swimming Pool
on Viesca, off Ogden Lane, 8 a.m. All visitors welcome.
Call Georgina Schwarts, 342-2073.
10 Herbal Wreath Workshop, SA Botanical Center, 555
Funston Place. $18 fee includes materials & 'instruc­tions.
Call 821-5115 to pre-register.
13 Sierra Club general meeting, First Unitarian Church,
807 Beryl, 7:30p.m.; call 222-8195 for program info.
15 BAS Nature Arts & Crafts Auction, Sol Del Rio ·
Gallery, 1020 Townsend, 7:00 p.m. Refreshments
provided. This will take the place of our regular
meeting.
17 Palmetto State Park, nature trail hiking & picnic. 8:00
a.m.-2:00 p.m. Call Caryl Swann, 653-2860.
17 Children's Cornucopia Class, SA Botanical Center. All
materials furnished. Snacks provided. $10 fee. 10 a.m.­noon.
Ages 6-12.
17 Sierra Club Biennial Legislative Workshop, Conley­Guerrero
Senior Activity Center, 808 Nile St., E.
Austin, TX. $30 w I dinner; $20 w I o dinner. 8:30 a.m.
Registration deadline-Nov. 12. Send check to SC State
Conservation Office, PO Box 1931, Austin, TX 78767.
Call l-477-1729 for more info.
27 Native Plant Society meeting, "Cooking with Herbs &
Native Wildflowers"; demonstration by Cecil Flentge.
Lion's Field on Broadway & Mulberry; 7 p.m. -
DECEMBER
1 First Sat., Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa,
guided nature walk, 10 a.m.
8 Second Sat., "Christmas for the Critters--Do's &
Don'ts in Caring for Wildlife", Friedrich Wilderness
Park, 21395 Milsa, 9 a.m.
8 Beginners' Birdwalk, SA Audubon Soceity, Judson
Nature Trail, 8 a.m.
13 BAS board meeting, place to be announced.
11 SA Environmental Coalition Forum, "Environmental
Legislation: What's in Store for Texas". Speakers:
Dede Armentrout, Ken Kramer, Bridgit Shea. Witte
Museum (no charge). 3801 Broadway, 7 p.m. Call
826-4698 for more info.
15 Children's Southwestern Christmas; constructing
decorations from native plants. SA Botanical Center,
$10, 10 a.m.-noon. Ages 6-12.
Page 3
"ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION:
WHAT'S IN STORE FOR TEXAS"
WHAT: SA Environmental Coalition Forum
WHEN: Tuesday, December 11th, 7:00p.m.
WHERE: Witte Museum Auditorium (no charge)
WHO: DEDE ARMENTROUT, Regional Vice Pres.,
National Audubon Soc.
KEN KRAMER, · Legislative Affairs Director,
Sierra Club
BRIDGIT SHEA, Env. Lobbyist, Clean Water
Action
In January, the 72nd Texas Legislature will commence in
Austin. With the wide array of social and economic issues
(crises, some would say) facing Texas, will the issues of
environmental protection receive any serious attention?
Where do the newly elected state officials stand on environ­mental
matters? What are the priority issues this session for
the natural resource management agencies? What are the
priority issues for the environmental advocacy organiza­tions?
How can the concerns of the average citizen be heard?
How will what happens in the state capitol affect the
environment in San Antonio?
These are a few of the many questions which will be
addressed at the December forum of the SAEC. The panel
of leaders of three of the most active national environmental
organizations are intimately acquainted with the inner
workings of the Texas Legislature. More importantly, they
have a long record of successes in promoting environmental
causes through legislative action. Their insights should
prove invaluable.
LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP
The Sierra Club Biennial Legislative Workshop on Nov.
17 will hold late morning concurrent sessions on Structure
of the TX Leg. I Law-Making Process and Funding Environ­mental/
Nature Resources Programs.
Afternoon discussions include Air Quality f Greenhouse
Effect, Coastal Mgmt. I Oil Spill Response, H wy. Dept.
Sunset Review, and Waste Reduction and Mgmt.
(Hazardous Waste/ Municipal Garbage).
If you would like to become more politically involved
with environmental issues, these sessions could prove
invaluable. (See "Calendar of Events" for more details.) r----------------------, : National Audubon Society
Chapter Membership Application
Yes, I'd like to join.
Please enroll me as a member of the National Audubon
Society and of my local chapter. Please send AUDUBON
magazine and my membership card to the address below.
D . My check -fo~ . the $20 introductory membership is .
enclosed.
N~E ------------------------------------
ADDRESS ---------------------------------
I
I
I
I
t .
I
I
I
I
;CITY STATE ZIP I
Please make all checks payable to the National Audubon Society. ·1
f ~ Send thla appUcadon and_your check to: 1
I Bexar Audubon Society I
I P.O. Box 6084 W-19 I
I San Antonio TX 78209 L-Chlploreo. I . ' 7XCHA
L~~--------------------~
BEXAR TRACKS, N~vember 1990
PJliSI'IC
HELP REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE
It's tempting to sit back and let the manufacturers,
scientists, environmentalists and lawmakers hammer out a
solution to the plastics waste problem. But much of the
answer depends on the efforts of individual consumers.
Here's a laundry list of things you can do at home and the
store to help:
* When you shop, take your own grocery bag. That's what
many Europeans already do. It's a neat and environ­mentally
correct answer to the great plastic-versus-paper
debate.
* Look for the triangle symbol on the bottom of plastic
bottles. A number inside the triangle, part of a coding
system devised by The Society of the Plastics Industry,
indicates the type of plastic resin used to make the
container. The numbers I and 2, for instance, correspond
to two of the most commonly used and readily recyclable
plastics. (All plastics, theoretically, are recyclable.)
Manufacturers in Connecticut and Florida are required
to print this information on all their plastic bottles and
rigid plastic containers, and similar laws are pending in 21
states.
* If possible, don't buy products packaged in polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) or polystrene; the processes used to manu­facture
these plastics release pollutants into the
environment. Less harmful are the processes involved
with making polyethylene (used in thin plastic bags and in
the coatings on beverage cartons) and the high density
polyethylene used in plastic bleach bottles.
* If you buy canned beer or soft drinks in six packs strung
together with plastic yokes, consider switching to brands
packaged in cardboard.
* Buy eggs in cardboard containers.
* Don't buy disposable diapers unless absolutely necessary.
* At home, sort your garbage and recycle plastics whenever
possible. If in your area there's no means of doing s.o, urge
your local authorities to institute a recycling program
From National Wildlife,
October-November, 1990.
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. BOX 6084
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209
ADDRESS CORECTION REQUESTED
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY
OFFICERS AND BOARD
Marge Flandermeyer, President .. ... ............ 684-2668
Betty Minyard, Vice President . ......... . . . . ... . 344-6128
Nathan Ratner, Secretary .................... . . 732-3580
Walter Barfield, Treasurer . . . . .. . .......... .. ... 736-0355
Russell Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-7184
Caryl Swann .......... .. . . .. .. .... . . . ........ 653-2860
Mary Anne Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-6562
Peggy Carnahan 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 • • 690-2061
Committee Chairmen
Conservation, ........ . .... . . . . . ...... . ..... . .
Education, Betty Minyard .... . .. . . . ......... . .. 344-6128
Finance, Mary Anne Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-6562
Membership, Thelma Nungesser . ... . . . .. . . . . ... 824-8199
Newsletter Editor, Kathy Newman .. . ... . . . . .. . . 523-6631
Outings, Caryl Swann ..... . ...... . ... ... ... . .. 653-2860
Programs, .................... . . . . . ....... . .
Publicity, Art O'Connell . . .. . ........ . . . . . ..... 224-8511
Page 4
HABIT AT SPARED
Endangered cats and other wildlife g_ained a little mo~e
habitat along the lower Rio Grande w1th an agreem~n~ m
which the International Boundary and Water Comm1sswn
at least temporarily will reduce its brush-clearing on the
river's edge.
The National Audubon Society, Sierra Club and Frontera
Audubon Society sued the IBWC last November, alleging
that the IBWC's routine brush clearing destroyed the
habitat for numerous plant and animal species unique to the
area.
Of particular concern were the endangered ocelo~s a~d
jaguarundis, two species of cat that are nearly extmct m
Texas. More than 95% of the brush land the cats need for
survival has been cleared for agriculture, industry and cities
in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
The IBWC, in a settlement reached in U.S. District Court in
Washington, D.C., has agreed to conduct environmental
impact studies.
(Excerpted from San Antonio Light, August 9, 1990)
On Audubon's Research Ranch in Elgin, Arizona,
scientists study the endangered desert tortoise to determine
what it needs to survive. On the Lillian Annette Rowe
Sanctuary in Nebraska, visitors learn about the vital role the
Platte River plays in the migrations of a half-million
sandhill cranes. At Alkali Lake, North Dakota, sanctuary
manager Bruce Barbour demonstrates how former
agricultural land can be made productive for wildlife.
These three sanctuaries are among the more than 80
National Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuaries from coast
to coast that occupy a key position in wildlife protection and
management. Audubon sanctuaries, totaling more than
150,000 acres, provide refuge for endangered wildlife
species, educate scores of visitors on the value of natural
systems, and provide a base for critical ecological research.
Want to know more about the Audubon sanctuary
system? Places to Hike and Seek, a monthly newsletter,
highlights current news and projects at Audubon
sanctuaries. For a free copy, send a SASE to Information
Services, National Audubon Society, 950 Third Ave., New
York, N.Y. 10022.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Permit No. 590

Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.

!fracis
VOLUME VIII, No. 11 51 NOVEMBER 1990
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY - CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
THE CHAPTER'S PRIMARY GOALS ARE TO PROMOTE SPECIES AND HABITAT CONSERVATION
AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY.
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
How would you respond to the prospect of Bexar
Audubon having a piece of property that might include a
meeting place and a bit of nature? I need your feedback,
preferably within the next two weeks, so we can entertain
that possibility. Yes, I mean you.
The RTC and FDIC are having to dispose of thousands of
acres of land and many of those acres are environmentally
sensitive. The possibility exists that some of this land may be
transferred to the parks and refuge system; and the possibility
may arise that we might be asked to accept some small parcel
that lends itself neither to development nor a refuge. If such
a prospect arose, we could accept it only with a commitment
from additional members who would help with maintenance
and other responsibilities that come with property
ownership.
While we are on the subject of commitment, we can use
workers in a number of areas--Publicity Chairman,
Volunteer Coordinator, Issues Monitor for Air & Water
and Conservation Coordinator. If the work is divided up, it
is not a burden for anyone.
Carolyn Chipman-Evans gave a glowing report of the
Wyoming Ecology Camp experience at our October
meeting. It is gratifying to know our scholarships provide
such a rewarding experience for the recipients. Activities
from the camp are now being used by Carolyn with the
groups she leads at the Cibolo Wilderness Trail. Jon
Johnson's presentation on Adventure Therapy was also
excellent. Adventure therapy provides an effective
opportunity for "at risk" and disturbed young people to gain
confidence and self-esteem. Call me if you would like more
information on this program.
Mark your calendar and come to our Arts & Crafts
Auction on the I 5th. It promises to be our best ever.
~.97~ .....
AUCTION! AUCTION! AUCTION!
The 1990 version of the Arts and Crafts Auction promises
to be the best ever. An original painting by The Birdman,
David McKelvey, handcarved walking sticks, a handmade
quilted vest and a signed and numbered Non-game stamp
print are some of the items that will be offered. While our
event gains in popularity each year, it is still possible to
obtain great bargains.
Proceeds from the auction will go toward our scholarship
program as well as other conservation projects in the
community. For more information, call Mary Anne Moses
at 826-6562 or Marge Flandermeyer at 684-2668.
LOST MAPLES OUTING
October's gorgeous weather gave us an excellent
opportunity to revel in the glory of Lost Maples State Park.
The scenery in this area of the world is breathtaking. We
took the East Trail out of the parking area and eventually
climbed to what appeared to be (and our legs were
convinced also) the top of the world. The maples were not in
their best form, but there was enough color change to make
the views quite lovely.
After a picnic lunch during which we identified and
discussed the trees and plant life we had just seen, we
proceeded to Tarpley to view the dinosaur tracks. The
Tyrannosaurus Rex tracks are quite clear. According to the
sign, this T. Rex was approximately 45 feet long and stood
19 feet tall.
A short stop by the Medina River where huge cypress
trees line the banks completed a delightful day.
AIJDU~f:N!!lli~
We have met our goal of 60 classrooms in which we have
placed "Audubon Adventures". In fact, we now have 61, as
of Nov. I. Most of the funds ($30/ classroom) came from the
proceeds of our BIRDATHON last April. A few came from
individuals who gave $30 so we could add another
classroom to our total.
If you'd like to help in this important program, all you
need do is send your $30 to Walter Barfield, our treasurer.
You may choose the elementary school, or we will supply the
school. -* •
INFORMATION PLEASE ...
As many of you know, the Austin area is working on the
development of a Regional Habitat Conservation Plan
which they hope will insure the protection of rare and
endangered species and special ecosystems. Representatives
of a number of groups and agencies in San Antonio feel that
the time has come to prepare for a similar undertaking here.
One of the pieces of information which is needed in order
to lay the groundwork for this project is a map of areas
known to be used by endangered species. You might be able
to help.
_If you have had the good fortune offinding Black-capped
V1reos or Golden-cheeked Warblers as you enjoyed the Hill
Country in the springs and summers of I 988, I 989 or 1990,
would you take a moment to share the date and location
(precise or approximate) with the local group who are
working on the project?
Please call Susan Rust, Stewardship Services, 826-4698,
to leave a message or to get further information about the
project.
BEXAR TRACKS, Nov.emberl990
CONSERVATION CORNER
LITTLE SANDY
Congressman Ralph Hall has succeeded in getting HR-188,
the bill to take Little Sandy out of the National Wildlife
Refuge System, voted out of committee. Now we must stop
it on the House floor and in the Senate.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Flood Senators Lloyd Bentsen and Phil Gramm with
letters and phone calls, asking them to oppose the legislation
if it passes the House and comes to the Senate. Thank them
for not having introduced similar legislation in the Senate
and ask them to stand firm against it.
WHAT YOU CAN SAY
Little Sandy is old-growth bottomland habitat, the best left
in Texas, and supports tens of thousands of ducks, several
endangered species, and several state and national
champion trees. The reservoir that would destroy the refuge
is not needed for water supply-current reservoirs in the
area will meet the projected demand for the next fifty years.
If more water ever was needed, there are innumerable alter­natives
for developing supply that would be more
economical.
The precedent of removing an element of the Refuge System
without needs assesment of the alternative use could lead
Congressmen around the country to try to get rid of protect­ed
lands on the basis of "local issues".
LEVELING THE LAST ANCIENT FORESTS
In the w~ning days for the JOist U.S. Congress, Senator
~ark Hatfield (R-Ore.) and Rep. Les AuCoin (D-Ore.)
mtroduced a pair of "nightmare bills" that would all but
guarantee the wholesale destruction of the nation's last
remaining ancient forests.
The legislation, HR 5094 in the House and S 2762 in the
Senate, requires continued commodity production­logging,
mining, and grazing--in the national forests at
current levels, regardless of the environmental conse­quences.
Specifically it would:
. *limit the Secretary of Agriculture's power to lower
loggmg qu.otas by more than one percent;
*reqmre the Secretary to consider opening previously
protected lands;
and
:i!ls':ll~te l.o¥ging I?lans from court-ordered injunctions;
hmit JUdicial review of potentially illegal timber sales;
*require the Secretary to sell the maximum amount of
timber allowed in each forest plan.
You ca~ help stop this legislation by writing your
representative and senators today. Tell them to vigorously
oppose HR 5094 and S 2762. These bills threaten the future
of every n~tional forest in this country. Also ask your
representative to co-sponsor HR 4992 the Ancient Forest
Protection Act, supported by Audubo~ and other members
of the environmental community, and ask your senators to
introduce a similar measure.
Newsletter Submissions: Deadline is date of BAS general meeting.
Mail to: Kathy B. Newman, 7206 Sulky Lane, San Antonio, TX
78240; or call 523-6631.
Page 2
NONGAME HABITAT ACQUIRED
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved the
donation of a 151-acre portion of Atkinson Island offered
by Conoco, Inc. Acquisition of the tract will benefit the
Nongame Resources Program and the Special Nongame
and Endangered Species Conserv.ation Fund.
Located in Galveston Bay, Atkinson Island provides
habitat to several species of nongame birds, including
wading birds, shorebirds and resident songbirds, as well as
spring migrants. Acquisition of this tract will provide
protection for its biological and historial resources and is a
beginning for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's
land protection efforts in the Galveston Bay Estuary.
"Donations of habitat such as Atkinson Island are
essential if we are to protect and conserv.e our birds and
animals, many of which are at risk due to man's ever­growing
need for land. Unless we carefully set aside habitat,
we could lose our greatest asset, our wildlife", according to
TPWD Exec. Dir. Andy Sansom.
The donation will benefit the Special Fund by providing
state funds to match federal monies which reimburse the
department . when other nongame habitat areas are
purchased or when nongame research and management
efforts are funded. For every $1 donated to the Special
Fund, a matching $3 is available from federal Pittman­Robertson
monies and provides the department a total of $4
to conduct research and management and acquire habitat
specifically for nongame and endangered wildlife.
The 1990-91 Special Nongame and Endangered Species
Conserv.ation Fund stamps are available at all state parks
and most Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offices and
from the BAS. Decals are available also.
This year's artwork features a Mearn's quail by Sherrie
Russell Meline. Also known as a harlequin cir montezuma
quail, the male of this species has a distinctive black and
white facial mask which gives rise to yet other names: clown­faced
or fool's quail. Once common throughout the
Edward's Plateau and Trans-Pecos, the Mearn's quail is not
as common as it once was because of habitat loss from over­grazing
and drought.
The Special Fund is supported by donations and revenue
from the sale of nongame artwork, stamps and decals. Also,
this year, a poster featuring an ocelot is available while
supplies last, for every $10 donation received. These posters
were made possible with the help of the Audubon Council of
Texas.
So far, the Nongame Resources Program has acquired
two nongame wildlife management areas and currently is
conducting 2 I research and management projects for
nongame and endangered wildlife .
For more information on the Special Fund or the
Nongame Resources Program call 826-4698 or 1-800-792-
1112.
Bexar Audubon Society's
Nature Arts and Crafts Auction
Thursday, November 15, 1990
Sol Del Rio Gallery
1020 Townsend
7:00p.m.
Wine and Cheese
BEXAR TRACKS;November 1990
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
NOVEMBER
2-7 19th Annual Conference of theN orth American Assoc.
for Environmental Education, San Antonio. Call Mary
Kennedy, 690-2061.
3 First Sat., Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa,
guided nature walk, 10 a.m.
4 Pelagic birding trip on the Scat-Cat with the Ornitho­logy
Group of Houston. Meet at Fisherman's Wharf at
Port Aransas. Trip is from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. for birders
only - no fishermen! 75 people needed. Total cost:
$40/ person. Call David Bradford at 713-855-2615.
8 BAS Board Meeting, Marge Flandermeyer's home,
6427 Wurzbach, #6, 7:30 p.m. Call 684-2668 for
directions.
10 Second Sat., "Nature Photography- Fall Color", with
Alan Perry & Leroy Leonard. Friedrich Wilderness
Park, 21395 Milsa, 9 a.m. Call698-1057 for more info.
10 Beginners' Birdwalk, SA Audubon Society, Judson
Nature Trail--next to Alamo Heights Swimming Pool
on Viesca, off Ogden Lane, 8 a.m. All visitors welcome.
Call Georgina Schwarts, 342-2073.
10 Herbal Wreath Workshop, SA Botanical Center, 555
Funston Place. $18 fee includes materials & 'instruc­tions.
Call 821-5115 to pre-register.
13 Sierra Club general meeting, First Unitarian Church,
807 Beryl, 7:30p.m.; call 222-8195 for program info.
15 BAS Nature Arts & Crafts Auction, Sol Del Rio ·
Gallery, 1020 Townsend, 7:00 p.m. Refreshments
provided. This will take the place of our regular
meeting.
17 Palmetto State Park, nature trail hiking & picnic. 8:00
a.m.-2:00 p.m. Call Caryl Swann, 653-2860.
17 Children's Cornucopia Class, SA Botanical Center. All
materials furnished. Snacks provided. $10 fee. 10 a.m.­noon.
Ages 6-12.
17 Sierra Club Biennial Legislative Workshop, Conley­Guerrero
Senior Activity Center, 808 Nile St., E.
Austin, TX. $30 w I dinner; $20 w I o dinner. 8:30 a.m.
Registration deadline-Nov. 12. Send check to SC State
Conservation Office, PO Box 1931, Austin, TX 78767.
Call l-477-1729 for more info.
27 Native Plant Society meeting, "Cooking with Herbs &
Native Wildflowers"; demonstration by Cecil Flentge.
Lion's Field on Broadway & Mulberry; 7 p.m. -
DECEMBER
1 First Sat., Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa,
guided nature walk, 10 a.m.
8 Second Sat., "Christmas for the Critters--Do's &
Don'ts in Caring for Wildlife", Friedrich Wilderness
Park, 21395 Milsa, 9 a.m.
8 Beginners' Birdwalk, SA Audubon Soceity, Judson
Nature Trail, 8 a.m.
13 BAS board meeting, place to be announced.
11 SA Environmental Coalition Forum, "Environmental
Legislation: What's in Store for Texas". Speakers:
Dede Armentrout, Ken Kramer, Bridgit Shea. Witte
Museum (no charge). 3801 Broadway, 7 p.m. Call
826-4698 for more info.
15 Children's Southwestern Christmas; constructing
decorations from native plants. SA Botanical Center,
$10, 10 a.m.-noon. Ages 6-12.
Page 3
"ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION:
WHAT'S IN STORE FOR TEXAS"
WHAT: SA Environmental Coalition Forum
WHEN: Tuesday, December 11th, 7:00p.m.
WHERE: Witte Museum Auditorium (no charge)
WHO: DEDE ARMENTROUT, Regional Vice Pres.,
National Audubon Soc.
KEN KRAMER, · Legislative Affairs Director,
Sierra Club
BRIDGIT SHEA, Env. Lobbyist, Clean Water
Action
In January, the 72nd Texas Legislature will commence in
Austin. With the wide array of social and economic issues
(crises, some would say) facing Texas, will the issues of
environmental protection receive any serious attention?
Where do the newly elected state officials stand on environ­mental
matters? What are the priority issues this session for
the natural resource management agencies? What are the
priority issues for the environmental advocacy organiza­tions?
How can the concerns of the average citizen be heard?
How will what happens in the state capitol affect the
environment in San Antonio?
These are a few of the many questions which will be
addressed at the December forum of the SAEC. The panel
of leaders of three of the most active national environmental
organizations are intimately acquainted with the inner
workings of the Texas Legislature. More importantly, they
have a long record of successes in promoting environmental
causes through legislative action. Their insights should
prove invaluable.
LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP
The Sierra Club Biennial Legislative Workshop on Nov.
17 will hold late morning concurrent sessions on Structure
of the TX Leg. I Law-Making Process and Funding Environ­mental/
Nature Resources Programs.
Afternoon discussions include Air Quality f Greenhouse
Effect, Coastal Mgmt. I Oil Spill Response, H wy. Dept.
Sunset Review, and Waste Reduction and Mgmt.
(Hazardous Waste/ Municipal Garbage).
If you would like to become more politically involved
with environmental issues, these sessions could prove
invaluable. (See "Calendar of Events" for more details.) r----------------------, : National Audubon Society
Chapter Membership Application
Yes, I'd like to join.
Please enroll me as a member of the National Audubon
Society and of my local chapter. Please send AUDUBON
magazine and my membership card to the address below.
D . My check -fo~ . the $20 introductory membership is .
enclosed.
N~E ------------------------------------
ADDRESS ---------------------------------
I
I
I
I
t .
I
I
I
I
;CITY STATE ZIP I
Please make all checks payable to the National Audubon Society. ·1
f ~ Send thla appUcadon and_your check to: 1
I Bexar Audubon Society I
I P.O. Box 6084 W-19 I
I San Antonio TX 78209 L-Chlploreo. I . ' 7XCHA
L~~--------------------~
BEXAR TRACKS, N~vember 1990
PJliSI'IC
HELP REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE
It's tempting to sit back and let the manufacturers,
scientists, environmentalists and lawmakers hammer out a
solution to the plastics waste problem. But much of the
answer depends on the efforts of individual consumers.
Here's a laundry list of things you can do at home and the
store to help:
* When you shop, take your own grocery bag. That's what
many Europeans already do. It's a neat and environ­mentally
correct answer to the great plastic-versus-paper
debate.
* Look for the triangle symbol on the bottom of plastic
bottles. A number inside the triangle, part of a coding
system devised by The Society of the Plastics Industry,
indicates the type of plastic resin used to make the
container. The numbers I and 2, for instance, correspond
to two of the most commonly used and readily recyclable
plastics. (All plastics, theoretically, are recyclable.)
Manufacturers in Connecticut and Florida are required
to print this information on all their plastic bottles and
rigid plastic containers, and similar laws are pending in 21
states.
* If possible, don't buy products packaged in polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) or polystrene; the processes used to manu­facture
these plastics release pollutants into the
environment. Less harmful are the processes involved
with making polyethylene (used in thin plastic bags and in
the coatings on beverage cartons) and the high density
polyethylene used in plastic bleach bottles.
* If you buy canned beer or soft drinks in six packs strung
together with plastic yokes, consider switching to brands
packaged in cardboard.
* Buy eggs in cardboard containers.
* Don't buy disposable diapers unless absolutely necessary.
* At home, sort your garbage and recycle plastics whenever
possible. If in your area there's no means of doing s.o, urge
your local authorities to institute a recycling program
From National Wildlife,
October-November, 1990.
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY
P.O. BOX 6084
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209
ADDRESS CORECTION REQUESTED
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY
OFFICERS AND BOARD
Marge Flandermeyer, President .. ... ............ 684-2668
Betty Minyard, Vice President . ......... . . . . ... . 344-6128
Nathan Ratner, Secretary .................... . . 732-3580
Walter Barfield, Treasurer . . . . .. . .......... .. ... 736-0355
Russell Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 734-7184
Caryl Swann .......... .. . . .. .. .... . . . ........ 653-2860
Mary Anne Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-6562
Peggy Carnahan 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 • • 690-2061
Committee Chairmen
Conservation, ........ . .... . . . . . ...... . ..... . .
Education, Betty Minyard .... . .. . . . ......... . .. 344-6128
Finance, Mary Anne Moses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 826-6562
Membership, Thelma Nungesser . ... . . . .. . . . . ... 824-8199
Newsletter Editor, Kathy Newman .. . ... . . . . .. . . 523-6631
Outings, Caryl Swann ..... . ...... . ... ... ... . .. 653-2860
Programs, .................... . . . . . ....... . .
Publicity, Art O'Connell . . .. . ........ . . . . . ..... 224-8511
Page 4
HABIT AT SPARED
Endangered cats and other wildlife g_ained a little mo~e
habitat along the lower Rio Grande w1th an agreem~n~ m
which the International Boundary and Water Comm1sswn
at least temporarily will reduce its brush-clearing on the
river's edge.
The National Audubon Society, Sierra Club and Frontera
Audubon Society sued the IBWC last November, alleging
that the IBWC's routine brush clearing destroyed the
habitat for numerous plant and animal species unique to the
area.
Of particular concern were the endangered ocelo~s a~d
jaguarundis, two species of cat that are nearly extmct m
Texas. More than 95% of the brush land the cats need for
survival has been cleared for agriculture, industry and cities
in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
The IBWC, in a settlement reached in U.S. District Court in
Washington, D.C., has agreed to conduct environmental
impact studies.
(Excerpted from San Antonio Light, August 9, 1990)
On Audubon's Research Ranch in Elgin, Arizona,
scientists study the endangered desert tortoise to determine
what it needs to survive. On the Lillian Annette Rowe
Sanctuary in Nebraska, visitors learn about the vital role the
Platte River plays in the migrations of a half-million
sandhill cranes. At Alkali Lake, North Dakota, sanctuary
manager Bruce Barbour demonstrates how former
agricultural land can be made productive for wildlife.
These three sanctuaries are among the more than 80
National Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuaries from coast
to coast that occupy a key position in wildlife protection and
management. Audubon sanctuaries, totaling more than
150,000 acres, provide refuge for endangered wildlife
species, educate scores of visitors on the value of natural
systems, and provide a base for critical ecological research.
Want to know more about the Audubon sanctuary
system? Places to Hike and Seek, a monthly newsletter,
highlights current news and projects at Audubon
sanctuaries. For a free copy, send a SASE to Information
Services, National Audubon Society, 950 Third Ave., New
York, N.Y. 10022.
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